Where Learning is for Life

Entering preschool marks an important milestone in a child’s life. For some children, this is the first time they have been away from home. For others, it means transitioning from daycare to a new community. We thank you for taking the time to learn about our school as you search for the right learning environment for your child.

At Playhouse, we believe that the best environment for learning is one that is nurturing and supportive. Through meaningful learning experiences, children are encouraged to develop their own special qualities and to accept different qualities in others. Children and their teachers work together to recognize feelings and to channel them in constructive ways. Children learn about their community and how to respond to each other with sensitivity and respect. Rather than fill children with information, our teachers tailor lessons to the interests and curiosities of the children in the classroom, creating an ownership and excitement for learning.

Our school was founded in 1951 by a group of parents from the West Orange area along with Jeanne Ginsberg, a locally recognized leader in early childhood education. From its inception, Playhouse has fostered a sense of community and encouraged play-based learning. Jeanne led the school for over 50 years and she remains a strong influence. Many of our teachers have been with us for over 10 years and all of them share our vision of what young children need to thrive in their early years.

As a cooperative school, we believe that all parents should have an opportunity to participate in their child’s education. Home and school become one cohesive world when children, parents, and teachers work collaboratively at creating a community of learners.

To accommodate the varying needs of our Playhouse families, we offer sliding-scale tuition and flexible schedules with half-day and full-day programs.

We hope that you will consider Playhouse for your child. If you are interested in learning more, please call us and come for a visit.